Napier, New Zealand Shore Excursions

Perched on the edge of Hawke’s Bay, Napier feels like a city frozen in time — and in the best way possible. After a devastating earthquake in 1931, the town was rebuilt in bold geometric shapes, pastel colors and clean lines, making it the Art Deco Capital of the World. Add in world-renowned vineyards, coastal scenery and unique wildlife encounters and Napier quickly becomes one of the most memorable stops on any New Zealand journey.

Excursions in Napier, New Zealand include Art Deco walking tours, winery visits in Hawke’s Bay, gannet safaris at Cape Kidnappers, cycling trails along the coast and panoramic countryside tours. Whether you’re here for architecture, food, wine or a dose of nature, Napier shore excursions offer a little something for everyone.

Art Deco & City Highlights

Napier’s Art Deco style isn’t just a fun detail — it’s the city’s identity. Walking the streets here is like stepping into a 1930s film set, with every corner boasting sleek design and colorful facades.

Art Deco Walking Tour

The best way to see Napier’s unique streetscapes is on foot. Stroll past perfectly preserved buildings, from the National Tobacco Company’s ornate facade to the Daily Telegraph building’s crisp lines. Along the way, guides share the story of how Napier rose from disaster to become an architectural icon.

Art Deco & Gin Distillery Tour

If you’d like a twist on the walking tour, this option pairs architecture with flavor. You’ll learn about Napier’s rebuild and then stop at a boutique gin distillery for tastings. It’s part history, part local flavor and a refreshing way to see the city.

Hawke’s Bay Express Tour

For a quirkier take, climb aboard the bright-red Hawke’s Bay Express, a vintage-style train that winds through Napier’s highlights. It’s a fun, colorful ride that combines seaside views with Art Deco charm.

Wine & Food Tours in Hawke’s Bay

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s oldest and most celebrated wine regions, producing award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Chardonnay. Pair those wines with artisan food and you’ve got an excursion that’s as indulgent as it is scenic.

Wineries of Hawke’s Bay

Visit cellar doors that showcase the region’s heritage and innovation. At Abbey Cellars, gothic-style architecture sets the stage for bold reds and local cheese platters. At Sileni Estates, Roman mythology meets New Zealand terroir with vintages that celebrate Bacchus himself. Every sip connects you to Hawke’s Bay’s rich winemaking tradition.

Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trail Tour

If you’d like to mix wine with fresh air, hop on an e-bike and pedal the Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trail. The route winds past vineyards, orchards and the Tutaekuri River, with stops at cellar doors and even a Māori pā site. It’s a relaxed way to cover more ground while enjoying the landscape up close.

Hawke’s Bay Panorama

This scenic coach tour gives you the big picture. You’ll pass orchards, vineyards and farms before stopping at Arataki Honey to sample local varieties. Along the way, your guide points out Māori totem poles in Hastings, sweeping views of Cape Kidnappers and Napier’s signature Art Deco facades.

Nature & Coastal Excursions in Napier

Hawke’s Bay offers more than just wine and Art Deco charm. It's a region filled with dramatic coastlines, bustling wildlife colonies and panoramic lookouts that beautifully showcase the natural splendor of New Zealand’s North Island.

Cape Kidnappers & Gannet Safari

This excursion takes you to one of the largest mainland gannet colonies in the world. At Cape Kidnappers, more than 20,000 birds nest, dive and perform their ritual dances in tidy rows along the cliffs. The tour also stops at Summerlee Sheep Station, where you’ll see working farm life in action before enjoying traditional tea and scones.

Napier City Tour & National Aquarium

If you’d like something more relaxed, a city tour paired with the National Aquarium is a great fit. You’ll explore Napier’s history and Art Deco architecture before heading to the waterfront aquarium to see native marine life and learn about New Zealand’s conservation efforts.

Choose Your Napier, New Zealand Shore Excursion

Excursions in Napier, New Zealand include Art Deco walking tours, winery visits in Hawke’s Bay, gannet safaris at Cape Kidnappers, coastal cycling adventures and local food tastings. It’s a city where history meets flavor and scenery — whether you’re admiring pastel-colored facades, sipping a bold Syrah or watching gannets soar above the cliffs. No matter which excursion you choose, Napier captures the best of Hawke’s Bay. Delight in a blend of resilience, creativity and natural beauty that lingers long after you’ve left.